390 engine question
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390 engine question
I just picked up a 1971 pickup with no motor. I can buy a 1967 390 complete for $400 with 4000 miles on a fresh rebuild.
Is there any major differences that would prevent this motor from working in a 1971?
Is there any major differences that would prevent this motor from working in a 1971?
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 318
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From: Cantonment, Fl
What engine was the 71 set up for. If it had a six or a 302 you might have to reposition the motor mount towers. does the 390 come with a tranny. You have to use a tranny from an FE block. You might have to get a different driveshaft. Make sure you get the kickdown linkage with the 390 if you are using an automatic. If you are lucky the 71 came with a 360. If so then it is almost a direct bolt in swap
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The truck is a 1971 3/4 ton Explorer. The person I bought it from also received it with no engine. He thought it had a 390 originally.
I believe the auto trans still in the truck is a C6.
This is the vin number if that helps.
F25HKL04430
Thanks for the replies,
Jeff
I believe the auto trans still in the truck is a C6.
This is the vin number if that helps.
F25HKL04430
Thanks for the replies,
Jeff
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 759
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From: Humble,Tx
The truck is a 1971 3/4 ton Explorer. The person I bought it from also received it with no engine. He thought it had a 390 originally.
I believe the auto trans still in the truck is a C6.
This is the vin number if that helps.
F25=F250 2wd
H=390Cid V8
K=Michigan assembly plant
L04430= The remaining six digits are the consecutive unit numbers: your truck was made in November of 1970 at the Michigan assembly plant
Thanks for the replies,
Jeff
I believe the auto trans still in the truck is a C6.
This is the vin number if that helps.
F25=F250 2wd
H=390Cid V8
K=Michigan assembly plant
L04430= The remaining six digits are the consecutive unit numbers: your truck was made in November of 1970 at the Michigan assembly plant
Thanks for the replies,
Jeff
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Jeff, Look at the top of the tranny bell, if it is round it is a FE 352, 360, 390.
Flat on top with the two top bolt holes about 5 1/2" apart 300 6, or 302.
Flat top with bolt holes about 7 1/2" apart, 351M, 429, 460.
I didn't include all engines but gave you some main ones.
The 71 would have come with either the round top or 5 1/2" bell.
John
Flat on top with the two top bolt holes about 5 1/2" apart 300 6, or 302.
Flat top with bolt holes about 7 1/2" apart, 351M, 429, 460.
I didn't include all engines but gave you some main ones.
The 71 would have come with either the round top or 5 1/2" bell.
John
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Please excuse the questions that may seem simple. I normally run GM and now joining the Ford community.
I just picked up the motor listed above. I was told was a 390. I never looked at the valve cover label until I got it home. The label says it is a 360.
Is there a place on the engine where I can find numbers to verify actual engine size?
This engine did come with AIR compressor, motor mounts, alternator, starter, exhaust manifolds and a C6 trans.
Still I was hoping for the 390.
I just picked up the motor listed above. I was told was a 390. I never looked at the valve cover label until I got it home. The label says it is a 360.
Is there a place on the engine where I can find numbers to verify actual engine size?
This engine did come with AIR compressor, motor mounts, alternator, starter, exhaust manifolds and a C6 trans.
Still I was hoping for the 390.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
We have a saying here, They all become 390's on sale day.
There is no visible way to tell any difference.
99% odds in your favor it's a 360.
John
There is no visible way to tell any difference.
99% odds in your favor it's a 360.
John
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 81
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From: 83 mile house bc.
390s rule
390 fe truck engines>started in>1968/ in cars ford and 61 t birds was the first 390/4 barrel holly 330 hp.performance eng.option.i put a 68/ c6-390 cs mustang /buckets/consul-floor shifter/> i found under 72 yr.>shifter problems on the tree selector if it had a c4/ fmx > in a 65 -f100 /only put the eng and trans in as a unit as a easier install and the motor mounts/drive shaft is shorter for c6 long tail .put 1 in my 67 -352>merc 250 cs.same adjustments except mounts ok aka "camaro-killer"
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 81
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From: 83 mile house bc.
390s rule
390 fe truck engines>started in>1968/ in cars ford and 61 t birds was the first 390/4 barrel holly 330 hp.performance eng.option.i put a 68/ c6-390 cs mustang /buckets/consul-floor shifter/> i found under 72 yr.>shifter problems on the tree selector if it had a c4/ fmx > in a 65 -f100 /only put the eng and trans in as a unit as a easier install and the motor mounts/drive shaft is shorter for c6 long tail .put 1 in my 67 -352>merc 250 cs.same adjustments except mounts ok aka "camaro-killer"
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,288
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From: redding U.S.A.
My buddy had a factory 390 in his 67 T-bird. That really was a strong motor.
I prefer the new smallblock windsors simply for the weight savings and current range of cheap parts. 351w stroked to 408 is a good performer and reliable as long as power levels are kept 'reasonable.'
I prefer the new smallblock windsors simply for the weight savings and current range of cheap parts. 351w stroked to 408 is a good performer and reliable as long as power levels are kept 'reasonable.'
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 249
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From: Sacramento, CA.
Since the engine is out, the best way to tell is to pull the pan and check the crank casting number.
A 390 should have a casting number of 2U or some of the early ones had
C4AE or C3AE.
A 360 will carry a 2T casting.
And to reiterate: They are always 390's when you are buying.
If it is something different post the number and I'll tell you what it is.
Hope for a 1U (428)
A 390 should have a casting number of 2U or some of the early ones had
C4AE or C3AE.
A 360 will carry a 2T casting.
And to reiterate: They are always 390's when you are buying.
If it is something different post the number and I'll tell you what it is.
Hope for a 1U (428)
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Welcome to FTE
F25 = F250 2WD
H = 390 2V
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
L04430 = 1971
390: 1961/71 Passenger Cars / 1968/76 F100/350's.
360: 1968/76 F100/350's.
352: 1958/67 Passenger Cars / 1965/67 F100/350's.
1968/76 F100/350's with 360/390 engines used C6's.
F25 = F250 2WD
H = 390 2V
K = Kansas City Assembly Plant
L04430 = 1971
390: 1961/71 Passenger Cars / 1968/76 F100/350's.
360: 1968/76 F100/350's.
352: 1958/67 Passenger Cars / 1965/67 F100/350's.
1968/76 F100/350's with 360/390 engines used C6's.
Elder User
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From: Humble,Tx